Age: 30
Occupation: Producer, Numera Films
The film industry isn’t quite as glamorous as Hollywood makes it out to be. But when it’s time to make budgets, apply for grants, secure financing and figure out distribution, producers like Griffin Cork are on it.
Cork joined Calgary-based, queer-owned Numera Films in 2016, when the production company’s projects were small (think wedding videos and short films). In the last decade, Numera has grown exponentially, with projects including three seasons of comedy-sci-fi show Abracadavers and the OUTtv original series, Eyes In The Woods.
As a producer with Numera, Cork has sold films and TV shows into more than 20 international markets (including Walt Disney India), produced 19 films (plus an additional 14 with Aagimaak Productions and as an independent producer), and employed more than 400 cast and crew throughout the years — plus, his expertise in securing funding has resulted in employees who are treated well and eager to return.
“There’s a set culture I think is very important,” says Cork.
Numera’s projects have put nearly $3.5 million into Calgary’s economy. This helps the indie scene thrive, which is important for getting the scrappy, less-resourced projects made — not everything can be as star-studded as The Last of Us — and it also helps ensure that Calgary-based talent stays Calgary-based.
“Part of the attractiveness in Alberta’s film community is that there’s crew and equipment present — we have extremely talented craftspeople and tradespeople here,” says Cork.
Beyond Numera, Cork supports LHI Productions’ Indigenous-facing arm, Aagimaak Productions, and also co-chairs the Alberta Media Production Industries Association’s Professional Development and Events committee. Via Telus STORYHIVE, the Black Screen Office and the Okotoks Film Society, he mentors up-and-coming filmmakers.
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